Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

F. Silva · Sancho · Adeyemi · Brandt · Sabitzer · Chukwuemeka · Svensson · Ryerson · Anton · Bensebaini · Kobel

A high press and verticality define the identity of Borussia Dortmund as they deploy a 2-5-3. This formation is built to dominate the ball and immediately hunt for turnovers in the opponent half. By pushing many players forward, the team looks to suffocate the opposition and break lines with quick, direct passing.

Kobel stays between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. Behind a back two, Anton and Bensebaini act as the primary central defenders, often stepping up to intercept long balls or engage attackers early. Because only two players sit in the deep line, these defenders must be ready to cover large spaces if the press is bypassed. The full backs do not exist in a traditional sense here, instead relying on the midfield to shift and cover the wide areas.

The midfield engine is the heart of this lineup. Svensson and Ryerson form a double pivot to shield the back two, with Svensson providing defensive cover while Ryerson helps recycle the ball. Ahead of them, Chukwuemeka and Sabitzer occupy the central spaces to drive forward and link the play. Brandt operates as the attacking ten, finding pockets of space between the lines to create chances. This five man block allows the team to control the center of the pitch and transition quickly from defense to attack.

Leading the line, F. Silva acts as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and bring others into play. On the flanks, Adeyemi and Sancho act as inverted wingers, cutting inside from the wide areas to threaten the goal. Their movements create space for the central midfielders to make runs into the box. When the team loses possession, these three forwards are the first line of the press, forcing the opponent to play long or make mistakes.

This 2-5-3 formation offers several tactical advantages for Borussia Dortmund. The heavy presence in the middle creates numerical superiority in the center of the park, making it hard for opponents to keep the ball. By using Adeyemi and Sancho as wide threats, the team can also isolate defenders in one on one situations. The compactness of the midfield allows the squad to press in coordinated waves, making it difficult for teams to build out from the back.

Borussia Dortmund relies on this aggressive lineup to overwhelm opponents through intensity and central control. This formation is best suited for games where the team wants to dictate the tempo against a side that struggles to play under pressure.